MBEA III - Market based renewable energy access in Kenya

In the remote stretches of Turkana County, energy is more than just a utility, it is the catalyst for safety, health, and economic potential. While Kenya’s national grid expands, nearly half a million displaced people in Kakuma and Kalobeyei remain in the dark, relying on costly and hazardous fuels. MBEA Phase III is changing this narrative by moving beyond traditional aid toward a sustainable, market-driven energy ecosystem. By empowering the private sector and local entrepreneurs, we are not just providing light; we are fueling resilience for thousands of households and businesses

The majority of people in Kakuma and Kalobeyei (94-96%) rely on firewood and/or charcoal for cooking, which can have negative impacts on health and the environment if inefficient stoves and methods are used. This has led to respiratory diseases, according to local healthcare providers, and worsened deforestation issues in Turkana County.

Energy access in Kakuma and Kalobeyei ranges from a KPLC-operated diesel mini-grid (3%) to solar lanterns (29%), SHS (16%), component-based solar systems, diesel/petrol generators, and solar mini-grid systems (11%). Other sources for lighting include torches, mobile phones, firewood, and candles.

 While locally produced biomass stoves are available in the camp, their uptake is limited due to high initial costs and refugees' limited access to formal financial services.

Currently, 94-96% of residents rely on firewood and charcoal, leading to respiratory issues and deforestation. MBEA III addresses this by introducing affordable solar systems and higher-tier clean cookstoves.

The project aims to enhance access to clean cooking and solar-powered solutions in the Kakuma refugee camp, Kalobeyei integrated settlement, and the surrounding communities. It will do so by employing a market-based strategy and providing technical support to private-sector entities involved in stove and solar supply, including manufacturers, distributors, and their local partners. This assistance will benefit both existing players in the energy refugee market and new entrants.

Strategic objectives for sustainable energy in refugee settings

The MBEA III initiative is designed to transition from short-term aid to a long-term, self-sustaining energy market. By addressing the barriers to clean cooking and off-grid electrification, the project focuses on these six key pillars to drive economic resilience and environmental health in Turkana County:

• Accelerate access to household lighting for people living in poverty and vulnerable communities in refugee settlements.

• Facilitate the supply and adoption of affordable, appropriate stand-alone solar systems for productive use in business settings (for MSMEs).

• Strengthen local production of cookstoves and explore introducing appropriate, affordable, higher-tier biomass stoves for local production.

• Strengthen distribution and enhance adoption of clean cookstoves for households.

• Facilitate access to credit for end users of off-grid solar systems and clean cooking solutions in a refugee setting.

• Improving the enabling environment in the refugee market to enhance private sector investment and participation in the humanitarian energy sector.